from a window!"

"Oh! Bob, I hope it is not my father! He is too old--it is risking too
much to let him quit the house."

"I will tell you better when he reaches the ground. Unless mistaken--
ay--it is the Irishman, O'Hearn."

"Honest Mike! He is always _foremost_ in everything, though he so
little knows how anything but digging ought to be done. Is there not
another following him--or am I deceived?"

"There is--he has just reached the ground, too. This might be spared,
did they know how well you are guarded, Maud. By one who would die
cheerfully to prevent harm from reaching you!"

"They little dream of that, Bob," answered Maud, in a low tone. "Not a
human being in that valley fancies you nearer to him than the royal
armies are, at this moment. But they do not send a third--I am glad
they weaken their own force no further."

"It is certainly best they should not. The men had their rifles slung
when they descended, and they are now getting them ready for service.
It is Joel Strides who is with Mike."

"I am sorry for it. _That_ is a man I little like, Bob, and I
should be sorry he knew of your being here."

This was said quickly, and with a degree of feeling that surprised the
major, who questioned Maud earnestly as to her meaning and its reasons.